***Recommended for Rising Leader Squads***

Introduction

Feedback is a powerful tool and crucial component of personal and professional growth. It fosters a culture of continuous improvement, builds trust, and enhances communication skills. For managers, mastering the art of giving and receiving feedback can lead to more effective leadership, better team dynamics, and increased productivity and development.


Through exploration and group discussion of these guidelines and external resources, members of the Squad group can enhance their feedback skills, boosting confidence, and fostering a more supportive and growth-oriented environment.


External Resources For Discussion Inspiration

  1. Article: How to Give (and Receive) Critical Feedback - This Harvard Business Review article delves into navigating feedback giving two especially “spicy” conversations that all new managers face.
  2. Podcast: Radical Candor by Kim Scott - The CORE of Radical Candor: A Deep Dive into Effective Feedback
  3. Podcast: Career Contessa: How Do I Give Feedback at Work + Examples On What to Say


Discussion Questions

  1. Reflect on a Time: Share a personal experience where feedback significantly impacted your professional growth. What made the feedback effective or ineffective?
  2. Feedback Styles: Discuss different feedback styles you've encountered. Which styles resonate most with you, and why?
  3. Constructive Criticism: How do you typically react to constructive criticism, and what strategies have you found helpful in managing your response?
  4. Feedback in Leadership: How can leaders create a culture of open and honest feedback in the workplace? Share examples or ideas.
  5. Action Plans: Based on feedback you've received recently, what specific actions are you planning to take to improve your performance or approach?


Best Practices for Giving Feedback

  1. Be Specific and Objective: Avoid vague statements. Focus on specific behaviors and outcomes rather than personal attributes. Use examples to illustrate your points.
  2. Timeliness is Key: Provide feedback as close to the event as possible. This ensures that the information is relevant and fresh in everyone’s mind.
  3. Balanced Approach: Mix positive feedback with constructive criticism. Highlight strengths before addressing areas of improvement.
  4. Use "I" Statements: Frame your feedback from your perspective to avoid sounding accusatory. For example, “I noticed that…” instead of “You always…”
  5. Offer Solutions: When giving constructive feedback, suggest actionable steps or alternatives to help the recipient improve.


Best Practices for Receiving Feedback

  1. Listen Actively: Pay full attention to the feedback without interrupting. Show that you value the person’s input by maintaining eye contact and nodding.
  2. Stay Open-Minded: Approach feedback with a positive attitude. Consider it as an opportunity to grow rather than a personal attack.
  3. Ask for Clarification: If something is unclear, ask questions to get a better understanding. This shows that you are engaged and willing to improve.
  4. Reflect and Act: Take time to reflect on the feedback before responding. Plan actionable steps to implement the suggestions received.
  5. Express Gratitude: Thank the person providing feedback. Acknowledge their effort in helping you grow.


Further Reading 

Source